What Is the Proper Way to Clothe My Loved One for Their Viewing and Burial?

There aren’t specific rules when it comes to dressing your loved one for their funeral and viewing, though many people opt for formal or conservative attire (and some religions have specific customs, which will be discussed). Generally, you can choose a viewing and/or burial outfit in keeping with the personal style of the person who died, an option which is becoming increasingly popular. If they preferred formalwear or were more casual, you can honor their preference by selecting an outfit that reflects their personality.

If your loved one was in the military, enjoyed sports, or was an outdoors or baking enthusiast, feel free to dress them in their uniform, favorite jersey, hiking clothes or apron. You can consider clothing that will spark cherished memories for viewing and funeral attendees. If there are items significant only to you or a couple of close family members or friends, you may want to include those for the burial only.

Most often, it’s preferable to dress the body with undergarments on. Shoes and socks are often left off, as the feet can become rigid and may be difficult to manipulate. Some funeral homes have preferences regarding shoes, which you can confirm with the funeral director. You can include jewelry, though if you want to keep any pieces as family heirlooms, be sure to remove them after the viewing.

If your loved one’s clothing no longer fits them due to illness or other factors, you may want to purchase new clothes. You can also speak with your funeral professional about clothing options they may have available, as many funeral homes carry a line of clothing specifically for this purpose.

Religious customs for viewing and burial attire

In some cases, religious or cultural traditions may dictate what someone should wear for their funeral. It’s important to respect and honor these traditions if your loved one wants that. For a Jewish funeral, traditional burial clothing consists of a simple shroud with no jewelry or accessories (if a prayer shawl was worn in life, the loved one can be buried in one with a fringe cut off). For Buddhists, if not cremated as is typically favored, daily clothes are preferred. In the Muslim faith, the body is most often dressed in a shroud, usually made of white cotton.

Sources 

“How to dress a deceased loved one for a funeral.” Phaneuf. https://phaneuf.net/blog/how-to-dress-a-deceased-loved-one-for-a-funeral 

“How do funeral homes dress bodies?” Love to Know. https://www.lovetoknow.com/life/grief-loss/how-do-funeral-homes-dress-bodies 

“Diversity in Dying: Death Across Cultures.” Milne Publishing. https://milnepublishing.geneseo.edu/nursingcare/chapter/diversity-in-dying-death-across-cultures/ 

“Jewish burial garments”. Jewish Funeral Home. https://www.jewish-funeral-home.com/jewish-burial-garments/